
'Go to hell,' journalist tells Iran after a man with a loaded rifle was arrested near her Brooklyn home
Iranian journalist and activist Masih Alinejad on Monday told the Iranian regime, "Go to hell," just days after authorities informed her a man armed with an AK-47-style rifle was arrested in the Brooklyn neighborhood where she lives with her family, including her stepchildren.

10 Oregon deaths may be heat-related as 13 million people in the Northwest sweltered under heat alerts
The searing heat that has baked the Northwest is suspected to have led to at least 10 deaths in Oregon, officials there said.

Most US public schools plan to keep masks optional for start of classes
Students are heading to another school year amid the Covid-19 pandemic, but this time, there seem to be fewer discussions and fretting about masks and other mitigation measures -- despite a rise of infections sweeping the country.

Man accused of impersonating Homeland Security agent pleads guilty
Arian Taherzadeh, a Washington, DC man who impersonated a Department of Homeland Security agent while prosecutors say he ingratiated himself with federal agents through gifts and rent-free apartments, pleaded guilty on Monday and agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department.

White House warns China against escalations over Pelosi's potential trip to Taiwan
Biden administration officials are warning China not to take escalatory actions amid House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's prospective trip to Taiwan, emphasizing that the potential visit would not mark a shift in American foreign policy.

Atlanta's Music Midtown festival canceled, reportedly due to state's gun laws
The Atlanta music festival Music Midtown, which draws tens of thousands of concertgoers and blockbuster musicians each year, "will no longer be taking place this year," organizers announced in a tweet Monday.

Why Old Spice, Colgate and Dawn are locked up at drug stores
These days, it feels like many stores are fortresses. Most of the products on the drug store shelf are behind lock and key, even everyday items such as deodorant, toothpaste, candy, dish detergent, soap and aluminum foil. Manufacturers that supply lock cases and devices to chain stores have seen their businesses boom.

Top lawmakers renew call for DHS IG to step aside from investigation into missing texts, citing CNN reporting
Key House Democrats have issued a new call for the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general to recuse himself from a probe of missing Secret Service text messages after a CNN exclusive report showed investigators knew for more than a year texts had been erased.

Help wanted: $78,000 a year to taste candy while sitting on your couch
A Canadian candy company is offering a very sweet gig. Candy Funhouse, an online retailer of confectionery treats from chocolate bars to gummies and licorice, is hiring for a $78,000 a year ($100,000 Canadian), work-from-home job as its Chief Candy Officer.

Sudan's military leaders launch 'manhunt' for suspected sources after CNN gold investigation sparks protests
Sudan's military authorities have launched a "manhunt" for people suspected of providing information to CNN for an investigation that exposed Russia's plundering of gold in the African nation, according to multiple former and current officials.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson suspended for six games for sexual misconduct allegations
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been suspended for six games without pay for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy for his "predatory conduct" in private meetings with massage therapists, according to a ruling by a judge jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players Association.

CNN Exclusive: Russian officials requested adding convicted murderer to Griner/Whelan prisoner swap
Russian government officials requested that a former colonel from the country's domestic spy agency who was convicted of murder in Germany last year be included in the US' proposed swap of a notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout for Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, multiple sources familiar with the discussions told CNN.

Stewart and veterans slam Republicans over stalling bill to help those affected by toxic burn pits
Comedian Jon Stewart and veterans' advocates on Monday called on senators to stay overnight when they return to Capitol Hill to pass a stalled bill aimed at expanding health care access for military veterans who became ill after being exposed to toxic burn pits.

US unveils new sanctions targeting 'illicit' support for Iranian oil industry
The United States on Monday unveiled a new tranche of sanctions targeting "illicit" support for the Iranian oil industry as prospects for reviving the Iran nuclear deal continue to dim.

'Uncoupled' features Neil Patrick Harris in show with 'Sex and the City' vibes
Different sex, same city in "Uncoupled," original "Sex and the City" producer Darren Star's look at gay life and love in very upper-crust New York, where the most decadent porn is of the pricey Manhattan real-estate variety. Mostly, the Netflix comedy serves as a vehicle for Neil Patrick Harris as the suddenly single protagonist, while feeling too tired to forge much of a love connection.

'Paper Girls' wants to be another 'Stranger Things' but doesn't quite deliver
The latest graphic novel from Brian K. Vaughan to make the leap to the screen, "Paper Girls" possesses a "Stranger Things"-wannabe vibe, blending coming-of-age elements, time travel, nostalgia and science fiction. The result makes for a semi-watchable Amazon series that feels a little too convoluted to satisfactorily deliver.

'Not Okay' warns when it comes to fame, be careful what you wish for
The burning desire for fame, and the way people seize upon "causes" often without doing their due diligence, give a meaty foundation to "Not Okay," a dark comedy about a lie that brings unexpected benefits before, inevitably, spiraling out of control. Bearing parallels to "Dear Evan Hansen," it's a movie that puts the influencer age squarely in its satirical sights.

Beyoncé's 'Renaissance' release: What you need to know
You should know by now that a Beyoncé album release is a whole event.

Whoopi Goldberg apologizes for her statements on 'The View' about the organization Turning Point USA
Whoopi Goldberg has apologized for her statements on "The View" about the conservative organization Turning Point USA.

21 ways to live luxe if you win the $1.28 billion Mega Millions jackpot
Listen, we all have fantasies of living like the one percent. Envision a future in which you forget how to cut a cucumber and grocery store trips become foreign, you staff a full-time chef, you never have to do another load of laundry yourself and you have a driver.

12 Black queer icons that inspired Beyoncé on 'Renaissance'
Beyoncé's newest album, "Renaissance," is a musical triumph that signals the next great phase of the superstar's career -- and she's taking the Black queer icons who pioneered house music with her.

Chris Rock jokes he was 'smacked by Suge Smith' after Will Smith apology video
Chris Rock is still not saying how he feels about getting slapped by Will Smith, but he is still making passing jokes about the incident.

AJ McLean explains why solo projects never divided the Backstreet Boys
For Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean, pursuing a solo career doesn't mean he has to step away from the band with which he's performed for almost 30 years.

Shakira to go to trial in Spain for alleged tax fraud
Shakira has failed to reach an agreement with Spanish prosecutors on tax evasion charges, and she will go to trial insisting on her innocence, according to a statement released by her public relations team.

Pat Carroll, voice of Ursula in Disney's 'The Little Mermaid,' dead at 95
Pat Carroll, the Emmy-winning actress best known as the voice of the villainous sea witch Ursula in Disney's "The Little Mermaid," has died at the age of 95.

Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning set to host 'The 56th Annual CMA Awards'
The Country Music Association and ABC have announced that Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning will host "The 56th Annual CMA Awards" live from Nashville, TN. on Nov. 9.

Lil Durk is taking a break after a Lollapalooza pyrotechnics explosion
Lil Durk is sporting a bandage over his eye and taking some time out after a pyrotechnic device went off in front of him during Lollapalooza.

George Takei, J.J. Abrams and more pay tribute to late 'Star Trek' actress Nichelle Nichols
George Takei and J.J. Abrams paid tribute to the late "Star Trek" actress Nichelle Nichols, who died Saturday at the age of 89.

Angelina Jolie's daughter Zahara is headed to Spelman College
Angelina Jolie's daughter is headed to an HBCU. Zahara Jolie-Pitt will be attending Spelman College in Atlanta, her mother shared over the weekend.

Beyoncé to remove ableist slur from 'Heated' after backlash from disability campaigners
Beyoncé says she will remove an ableist slur from her new album, "Renaissance," after facing online backlash and criticism from disability campaigners.

NBA legend Bill Russell dies at 88
NBA legend Bill Russell, an 11-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics and the first Black head coach in the league, passed away "peacefully" Sunday, according to a family statement from his verified Twitter account. He was 88.

Nichelle Nichols, trailblazing 'Star Trek' actress, dies at 89
Actress and singer Nichelle Nichols, best known for her groundbreaking portrayal of Lt. Nyota Uhura in "Star Trek: The Original Series," has died at age 89, according to a statement from her son, Kyle Johnson.

Houston Native – Kevin Davis (KD) Named Junior Sailor of the Year in Signapore
Yeoman 2nd Class Kevin Davis is awarded Junior Sailor of the Year for calendar year 2021 by Rear Adm. Philip Sobeck, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/ Task Force 73 (COMLOG WESTPAC/ CTF 73). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications 2nd Class Brandon Parker)

Secret Service Identified Potential Missing Text Messages On Cell Phones of 10 Individuals
Secret Service investigators were scrutinizing the phones of 10 Secret Service personnel that contained metadata showing text messages were sent and received around January 6, 2021, but were not retained, two sources told CNN. The scrutiny came after the Department of Homeland Security inspector general asked for the text records last year of 24 individuals at the Secret Service who were involved in January 6, but only one text had been produced. After the issue spilled into public view this month, the inspector general launched a criminal investigation into the matter, and lawmakers demanded answers from the Secret Service to go back and find out what happened to the texts that may have been deleted.

Norman Lear turns 100, gets an ABC special celebrating his life
Super producer Norman Lear turned 100 on Wednesday, and spent his birthday in Vermont with his family. He will be publicly honored in September when ABC airs a special on his life, called "Norman Lear: 100 Years of Music and Laughter."

President's granddaughter announces White House wedding ceremony set for South Lawn
The eldest grandchild of President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden has announced she will be married in a ceremony on the White House's South Lawn later this year.

Indoor mask mandate may be reinstated in Los Angeles County amid high Covid-19 transmission level
Los Angeles County is maintaining a high Covid-19 community level, which means a universal indoor masking mandate could be enacted as soon as next week, health officials say.

More than 40% of parents of young kids say they will not get their child a Covid-19 vaccine, survey finds
New survey results published Tuesday by the Kaiser Family Foundation indicate that 43% of parents of children under 5 in the US say they will not get their child vaccinated against Covid-19, the highest percentage in the year that KFF's Vaccine Monitor survey has been asking the question.

Future or fantasy? Designs unveiled for one-building city stretching 106 miles in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has unveiled designs for its ambitious urban project "The Line," touted as a one-building city in the desert which will stretch over 106 miles and ultimately house 9 million people.

Germany battles past impressive France to book place in the final of Euro 2022
The bitter taste of defeat is something Germany's women have rarely experienced at the European Championships.

Where state abortion bans stand amid legal challenges
In more than a dozen states, legal fights are underway over abortion bans and other laws that greatly limit the procedure after the US Supreme Court ended a constitutional right to an abortion on June 24. On July 26, the Supreme Court entered its judgment in the case, taking the procedural step that will start the process for some states to implement their so-called trigger bans on the procedure.
Asia's richest woman lost more than half her fortune in China's property crunch
Yang Huiyan, Asia's wealthiest woman, has seen her wealth fall to $11 billion from nearly $24 billion this year as China's property crisis escalates, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

What's in the Manchin-Schumer deal on climate, health care and taxes
The Democrats' budget reconciliation package has gained more heft after West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin agreed to add back several climate and tax provisions.

Uvalde school district reveals new security plans during tense school board meeting as parents voice frustration and anger
Uvalde officials are working to improve school security for when classes resume, including installing bulletproof windows, a school board meeting revealed Monday -- nearly two months after the horrific massacre at Robb Elementary School left 21 people dead, including 19 children.

Who is Viktor Bout, Russian arms dealer known as the 'Merchant of Death', touted for US prisoner swap?
The future of two American citizens detained in Russia could hinge on the release of a convicted Russian arms dealer, nicknamed the "Merchant of Death" by his accusers, whose life story inspired a Hollywood film.

If it looks like a recession and quacks like a recession...
Is the United States heading for a recession? Or is the economy already in one? It -- almost -- doesn't matter. For many Americans, it already feels like a recession. Soaring prices for, well, just about everything, make it tougher to pay for everyday expenses and monthly bills. The stock market has tanked this year. Home sales have started to slip. Consumer confidence is low.

Sprite will no longer be sold in green bottles
Sprite is retiring its green plastic bottles after more than 60 years. Coca-Cola said Wednesday it's changing the packaging from green to clear plastic beginning August 1 as part of broader efforts to become more environmentally responsible. Sprite's current plastic contains green polyethylene terephthalate (PET), an additive that can't be recycled into new bottles, a key initiative for the company as it looks to reduce plastic waste.

Beyoncé fans upset about reported leak of 'Renaissance' album
The Hive is buzzing over Beyoncé's new album, but not in a good way. On Wednesday some members of her devoted fan base took to social media to complain about reported leaks and early sales of "Renaissance" and beg people not to listen or share.

FTC files to block Facebook-parent Meta from buying a VR app
The Federal Trade Commission on Wednesday moved to block Facebook-parent Meta from acquiring virtual reality company Within, offering the clearest signal yet that the agency could take a tougher stance on Silicon Valley deals involving newer technologies.

TikTok pledges more transparency for researchers amid renewed scrutiny
TikTok on Wednesday said it would share more data with certain researchers to study activity on the platform amid renewed scrutiny of the short-form video app's impact on society and its ties to Beijing.